Dalvin Cook Fantasy

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook had an unexpected family emergency come up on Tuesday and had to return to Miami, according to a source. As a result, he'll be unavailable for the Week 17 game against the Lions on Sunday. It's a huge blow to fantasy managers that are still playing for something in the final week of the regular season. Cook was entering Week 17 as the No. 2 fantasy back behind Alvin Kamara this year with 1,557 rushing yards (second-most in the NFL) and 16 touchdowns (tied for the most). He should be in play as the top overall fantasy selection in next year's drafts. Backup Alexander Mattison suffered a concussion in Week 15 and didn't play last week, so he might not be available this weekend either. If that's the case, the Vikings would be looking at some combination of Ameer Abdullah and Michael Boone in their backfield against Detroit.

Dec. 30th • 11:44 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook carried the ball 15 times for 73 yards with one touchdown in the Vikings 52-33 loss to the Saints on Christmas Day. Cook was running fast and free early in this game, punching in his 16th rushing touchdown of the season in the first quarter with a 15-yard burst. The talented back, however, was phased out of the game as the Vikings got down by multiple scores and was not on the field during a fourth quarter scoring drive in garbage time. Cook still delivered a solid line and now has 17 total touchdowns on the season. If healthy and is active to play, Cook remains an RB1 call in the final week of the season.

Dec. 25th • 7:50 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook could face his toughest test of the season on Christmas Day against the Saints. New Orleans is allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and have allowed only three touchdowns to the position since Week 5. Fantasy teams typically would steer clear of starting their running backs against the Saints but Cook is no ordinary back. He heads into Week 16 with three straight 100+-yard rushing games with eight total on the season and 16 total touchdowns. Cook will try and add to his 1,484 yards this Friday on Christmas to kick off Week 16.

Dec. 23rd • 3:27 PM